Ancient City of Ephesus
The Ancient City of Ephesus is a unique historical site located in the Selçuk district of Izmir and one of the most important trade, cultural and religious centers of the ancient world. Famous for its magnificent buildings from the Roman and Greek periods, the city hosts architectural masterpieces such as the Celsus Library, the Great Theatre, the Temple of Artemis and the Temple of Hadrian. Ephesus, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is a fascinating place that offers its visitors the opportunity to trace the past, like an open-air museum today.
History
Ephesus was founded by the Ionians in the 10th century BC and over time became one of the most important trade and cultural centers of the ancient world. The Temple of Artemis was built in the 6th century BC and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city, which entered the Hellenistic period with the conquest of Alexander the Great in 334 BC, later came under the control of the Roman Empire and experienced its brightest period during the Augustus period (27 BC - 14 AD). Ephesus, the capital of the Asian province during the Roman period, was a large metropolis with a population of 250,000 people. The city, which began to decline due to earthquakes and attacks starting from the 3rd century AD, was completely abandoned after the Arab raids in the 7th century AD.
Library of Celsus
The Celsus Library, located in the Ancient City of Ephesus, was built in 117 AD by the son of Roman Senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus. This building, one of the largest libraries of the ancient world, is considered one of the most elegant examples of Roman architecture.
Ancient Theater of Ephesus: A Grand Stage of Antiquity
The Ancient Theater of Ephesus is one of the largest and most impressive theaters of the ancient world, with a seating capacity of 25,000 spectators. Built during the Hellenistic period and expanded under Roman rule, it served as a venue for dramatic performances, gladiator fights, public gatherings, and even early Christian preaching.
Arkadiane (Port) Street
Arkadiane Street is one of the longest and most magnificent roads of the Ancient City of Ephesus. This street, starting from the Grand Theater and extending to the Port, is approximately 600 meters long and 11 meters wide. It was used as the main transportation and trade center of the city in ancient times. It was named "Arkadiane" because it was reorganized during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Arcadius (4th century AD).
Temple of Artemis
The temple of Artemis, built by the Lydian King Croesus in the 6th century BC, is one of the largest and most magnificent temples of its period, located in Ephesus and counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This building, dedicated to the goddess Artemis, was considered one of the most important religious centers of the ancient world.
